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  • There is no cure for interstitial cystitis, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Interstitial cystitis (IC) is an inflammation and irritation of the bladder causing pain and frequent urination. When a woman also has menopause with IC, she contends with the symptoms of both conditions. According to the Interstitial Cystitis Network (ICN), several years may pass before your doctor makes a definitive diagnosis. The best that someone can do with a doctor's help is to create the best combination of measures that effectively manage the discomfort of both menopause and IC.

    Help Your Doctor to Help You

    Although there is no cure for IC, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that it is manageable. The challenge is getting to the point where your doctors have actually diagnosed the illness and found a set of measures effective at managing your symptoms. It is important to communicate well with your doctors, says Peggy Eastman in a Reader's Digest.com article. Although you are eager to feel better, it is important to take a few minutes, be thorough and write down your symptoms. Consider the length of time each symptom has bothered you, whether the symptoms come and go, the kinds of pain you experience and what, if anything, brought relief. It is very important that you approach your medical professional with as much relevant information as possible so that he or she may assist you. Your doctor is your advocate. Be frank about your symptoms and concerns in order to get the best possible treatment.

    Manage Your Symptoms

    IC is managed in a holistic way, in the sense that the illness is treated by simultaneously using multiple approaches. Doctors may prescribe medications for pain, recommend different procedures and suggest counseling support. Because IC is a chronic illness, your lifestyle may require some refinements. Menopause is a transition to a new phase in life with its own unique challenges. Maintaining or indeed creating a high quality of life in spite of these two conditions may seem like a daunting challenge. However, once you have found the best strategy for your individual physiology, practicing it as a routine becomes less difficult. The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) recommends a special diet helpful to many IC patients. The diet plan suggests avoiding anything containing artificial sweeteners, as well as spicy and potassium-rich foods. Stress-relieving, low-impact exercises are beneficial to relieving both menopausal and IC symptoms. The ICA advises patients to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You should also avoid smoking.

    Describe Your Symptoms

    IC symptoms include pelvic pain, pressure, tenderness, urinary frequency and urgency. If you have a urinary tract infection, bladder infection, weak pelvic floor muscles or even low back pain, then you might also have some of these symptoms. In order to help you to feel better, your doctor will make a differential diagnosis to be certain that your symptoms result from IC. The level of complexity increases with the presence of menopause. Menopause officially occurs after 12 missed periods. Leading up to this time in perimenopause, a woman may experience troublesome symptoms such as irregular periods, mood changes and sleep disturbances, resulting from changes in hormone levels. Because hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone levels might also challenge you, be sure to inform your doctor about your last menstrual period.

    Work With Your Doctors

    According to the ICN, some women experience worsening symptoms with changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, which typically occurs in perimenopause and menopause. To alleviate some of those symptoms, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Unfortunately, women respond differently to it. Estrogen replacement may result in more bladder pain. Other women may find much welcomed relief from HRT. Keep the lines of communication open with your doctor and report any negative side effects to him or her.

    Source:

    Menopause and IC: IC Network

    Interstitial Cystitis: Medline Plus

    Interstitial Cystitis: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

    Resource:

    Find a Urologist: American Urological Foundation Association

    IC Diet: Interstitial Cystitis Association

    Communicating With Your Doctor: P.Eastman

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